CHAPTER 25: CHAPTER 25: THE PAST RETURNS BEFORE I COULD MOVE ON

Evric’s POV

Zayn was right, he’s straight. And I’ve always known that. Even before I ever approached him, I understood what I was getting into. Yes, we might have slept together, but if he still sees himself as straight, then who am I to define him otherwise?

I can’t call him gay.

But maybe... I can make him believe he could be something else, something more, for me. Maybe he can be straight to the world, but bent only for me.

Because everything I feel for him now is different. It’s not just lust anymore. I don’t want this to be a temporary thrill or a one-time high. I want more. I need more. Something real. Something that goes beyond the body and sinks deep into the soul.

You think I’m just a fix? Just someone to scratch an itch?

No. I’m going to prove to you that I’m not just someone you spend the night with and forget in the morning. I’m not your habit. I’m not your escape. If you’re addicted to my voice, if you crave my body, then let your heart crave me too.

Let me be the one you fall for.

With that thought weighing on my chest like a promise, I gave my driver a nod. "Take me to Draeven Holdings."

There was a meeting. One I had no choice but to attend. Rogan and I already discussed this. I didn’t want a fight with him, not today. I’d rather handle it calmly and do things the way he asked.

Even if it meant burying some parts of myself for a while longer.

The drive to Draeven Holdings was smooth, almost too smooth, giving me just enough time to steady my thoughts and mentally prepare. As soon as the car rolled to a stop, I stepped out with purpose. No hesitation. No time to waste.

I headed straight for the boardroom, the main reason I was here. Rogan had made it clear this meeting was important, and I had every intention of handling it with the poise and precision I was known for.

James was already waiting by the door. He didn’t speak much, just handed over a slim folder filled with key talking points, market analysis, and a few sensitive updates. I took it from him with a brief nod and pushed the doors open.

The room quieted instantly.

As I walked in, every executive, department head, and partner around the long table rose to their feet in a show of respect. I didn’t need it, but I expected it.

"Good morning," I said, my voice even and composed.

They returned the greeting in unison as they slowly sat down.

I took my place at the head of the table, adjusted my cuffs, and opened the folder. My gaze swept the room once. "Let’s begin."

The meeting was focused on quarterly projections, investment reports, and a new acquisition we were eyeing in Southeast Asia. I broke down each segment efficiently, outlining profits, risks, and strategic growth. When questions came, I answered them with calm authority, backing every statement with figures and future-proof plans.

One of the older board members tried to challenge the expansion strategy. I didn’t flinch. I leaned forward, offered him a calculated smile, and dismantled his doubt with sharp facts and clearer foresight than he expected. He leaned back after that, silently conceding.

Halfway through, someone from marketing presented a proposal on rebranding. I listened carefully, offered corrections, and gave my approval where necessary, but only after making it clear that I expected nothing short of brilliance in the execution.

By the time the meeting ended, I had full attention and full control. That’s how I operated.

As everyone began gathering their files and tablets, several came to thank me personally. I nodded politely, keeping things formal.

Once the last person exited the boardroom, I exhaled and leaned back in my seat.

Handled.

But no matter how smooth the meeting had gone, my mind wasn’t entirely here. Part of it... still wandered back to Zayn.

I stood up, straightened my jacket, and made my way out.

There was still more to be done, and not just in business.

As we stepped out of Draeven Holdings, Karl was already waiting by the car, phone in hand, briefing someone through his earpiece. He ended the call the moment he saw me and quickly fell in step beside me.

"I already had the inspection team prepare the site. We’ll head there first," he said, holding the door open for me.

I nodded, slipping into the back seat. "Good. After that, we’ll head to Chrisly."

Mr. Karl nodded, his expression unreadable.

Earlier today, Chrisly called me. His voice sounded normal, but I could tell something was bothering him. "It’s important," he said. "But I want us to talk about it in person."

He didn’t say much more than that, and I didn’t press him. Knowing my brother, if it was something urgent or personal, he wouldn’t speak about it over the phone. And the way he sounded, slightly hesitant, a little distant, it left me thinking about it more than I should’ve.

I reached the site and did a quick inspection of the property. It didn’t take long since I already had someone handling the technical side. I just needed to see it for myself, confirm a few things, and move on.

After that, Mr. Karl and I headed straight to Chrisly’s house. When we got there, I knocked on the door and he opened almost immediately. We hugged briefly, exchanged greetings, and walked inside.

We talked a little about my meeting at Draeven Holdings. He said, "Daddy called me. He said he was impressed. Said everyone at the meeting appreciated your presence and professionalism." Then he smiled and added, "I’m proud of you, bro."

That meant a lot coming from him.

After a short silence, I brought up my conversation with Zayn. I explained everything what I said, how I felt and as I spoke, I could see Chrisly’s expression shift. He looked at me carefully and asked, "Do you really want something serious with Zayn? Or are you just trying to use him to replace Nicki?"

His question hit deep. I stayed quiet for a moment, thinking, then gave him my honest answer.

"What I feel for Zayn is different, Chrisly. I..."

But before I could finish, he cut in.

"Before you continue... let me break this to you."

I blinked. "What?"

Then he looked me dead in the eyes and said,

"Nicki is back."